Understandably, all our attention has been on the catastrophic effects of Hurricane Sandy on the Northeastern coast of the United States. Loss of lives and property damage have been appalling. We should note, however, that Cuba is a fellow sufferer. Sandy hit Eastern Cuba before striking the U.S. So far, eleven deaths have been reported – almost more than all deaths in Cuba from hurricanes over the past ten years. Crops – especially sugar – were reportedly severely damaged. A Reuters camera crew has reported flattened, mangled and flooded cane throughout the area. It remains to be seen how much can be recovered. Cuba had hoped to reverse a long decline in output. Clearly, Hurricane Sandy will not help.
Property damage reportedly was also heavy, with many homes and buildings destroyed or severely damaged.
According to press reports, the first planeload of UN relief supplies arrived from Panama on November 8. Many more reportedly will follow.
